Florida Gators Want Win Against LSU Tigers, Need Quarterback Tim Tebow

The buzz on the University of Florida's campus for the past two weeks has been whether or not quarterback Tim Tebow will play or not this Saturday against No. 4 LSU.

Ever since Tebow suffered a concussion against Kentucky on Sept. 26. UF had a bye week and will travel to Baton Rouge, La., for its first game since. UF Coach Urban Meyer has been private with Tebow's status. He has practiced, but it's unsure whether or not he'll play in such a hostile environment.

Tebow could sit out if the noise is too much, considering he would be two weeks removed from his concussion.

Tebow will undoubtedly want to play, but he may revert back to his more physical, dual-threat game which may threaten his health.

UF students seem to have faith in Tebow. The common consensus is "In Tebow we trust." Tebow is a proven player with an immaculate college record.

His backup, sophomore John Brantley?

Never started a game.

If Brantley is thrust into the spotlight, students can't expect to see a Tebow-type offense. The Gators will need the rest of their team to step up and relieve pressure off Brantley.

Running backs and receivers could and should be utilized more heavily if Brantley is behind center. And of course the defense will need to play its part and play take-away football.

With UF personnel keeping Tebow's status air-tight, there's been speculation abound from Tebow starting and playing fine to Tebow and Brantley sharing playing time so the defense has to deal with two different quarterbacks.

Students may be too quick to realize a loss on Saturday wouldn't end the hopes of a national championship. Last season, UF lost its fourth game of the season to an unranked Ole Miss team.

A loss to the No. 4 team in the nation probably wouldn't drop the first-ranked Gators out of the top eight, especially if Tebow isn't his usual self. Poll voters will take notice if the No. 1-ranked team in college football is missing its Heisman-winning, concussed quarterback.

What the student body may have to brace itself for isn't whether or not Tebow will play or not, but rather the fact that if Tebow doesn't play on Saturday, UF fans could get a good glimpse of a Tebow-less future.